The Different Types of Pet-Friendly Hotels
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Reviewed by Monica Tarantino
If your upcoming travel plans include your pet, you'll want to find a great pet-friendly hotel. Read on to learn all about pet-friendly hotels, including some of the best-known pet-friendly hotel chains.
What Are Pet-Friendly Hotels?
Pet-friendly hotels allow your dog or cat to stay with you in your hotel room when you travel. Some pet-friendly hotels simply permit pets in the room, but others go above and beyond, offering special pet packages and pet amenities on the property.
Benefits of Staying in a Pet-Friendly Hotel
Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure, or for any other reason, staying at a pet-friendly hotel means never having to leave your furry friend behind. If your dog, cat, or other pet is happy traveling and sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings, bringing them along can make travel more fun and less stressful, plus you'll save on pet-sitting or boarding fees.
Types of Pet-Friendly Hotels
Many different types of hotels allow dogs, cats, and other pets, from inexpensive motels to five-star hotel resorts. You can find pet-friendly accommodations through large hotel chains and small boutique hotels and everything in between.
Aloft
Most of Aloft’s 200 locations worldwide are dog friendly, although there is a weight limit of 40 pounds. The hotel’s Arf (Animals Are Fun) program offers pups an Aloft-branded bed and bowl and complimentary treats and toys during their stay.
Best Western
More than 1,200 Best Western properties in North America allow dogs, and some properties also accept cats, birds, and other small animals. Dogs must weigh 80 pounds or less, with a two-dog per room limit.
Choice Hotels
More than 3,500 Choice Hotels worldwide are pet-friendly. Pet-friendly Choice brands include Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Clarion, Sleep Inn, WoodSpring Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Ascend Hotel Collection, and MainStay Suites.
Extended Stay America
Pets are welcome at Extended Stay America properties as long as they are less than 36 inches long and 36 inches tall (with a maximum two pets per suite). Individual property managers might be able to approve pets larger than the height and length limit, or more than two pets per suite.
Four Seasons
Many Four Seasons properties allow pets, with some offering special pet amenities, including in-room treats and beds, grooming and walking services, and more. Inquire with individual hotels to learn more.
Hilton
Many Hilton brands allow pets, including Canopy, Doubletree by Hilton, Embassy Suites, Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Home2Suites, Tru, Waldorf Astoria, and more. Pet fees and policies vary by hotel, so call ahead to learn more.
Hyatt
More than 500 Hyatt properties welcome pets, with some offering pet-friendly extras like beds, bowls, and even pet photoshoots. Park Hyatt Chicago donates the entirety of pet fee to PAWS animal shelter.
Kimpton Hotels
All Kimpton hotels allow pets with no restrictions on species, breed, size—for no additional charge. Your pet will also be pampered by loaner beds in the room, food and water bowls, and complimentary access to Wag Premium professional pet caregivers for pet walking, boarding, or sitting.
Marriott
Most of Marriott’s more than 1,500 pet-friendly locations across the United States accept dogs, cats, birds, and fish. Participating brands include AC Hotels, Aloft, Element, Residence Inn, Fairfield by Marriott, TownePlace Suites, Westin, and W Hotels). Check directly with the individual properties for policies and fees.
Motel 6
Up to two pets per room stay free at all Motel 6 locations other than Studio 6 locations, which charge $10 per day.
Red Roof
Most Red Roof locations are pet-friendly and allow one dog or cat per room at no additional charge. Pet weight limits are 40 pounds at some locations and 80 pounds at others. Inquire directly with the hotel to learn more.
Ritz-Carlton
Some Ritz-Carlton hotels allow pets, but pet policies, fees, and amenities vary depending on the individual hotel. For example, the Ritz-Carlton, Bacara in Santa Barbara, offers charges $250 per night and allows up to two dogs per room as long as they weigh less than 50 pounds. The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Guelch in Colorado charges a $150 nonrefundable pet cleaning fee plus $30 per night for up to two dogs per room (no weight limit).
Staybridge Suites
Pets weighing less than 50 pounds are welcome at all Staybridge Suites, though some restrictions apply. Inquire with each hotel regarding specific pet policies, guidelines, and fees.
Tips for Finding the Best Pet-Friendly Hotel
When searching for a hotel to bring your dog, cat, or other pet, check the websites of different hotels—most pet-friendly hotels publish their pet policies online as well as any pet amenities.
It’s common for hotels to charge a pet fee in addition to the hotel room rate. The hotel might also require a separate security deposit. Always inquire directly with each hotel property to find out the current policies and fees before bringing your pet.
Different hotels have different guidelines that guests are expected to follow. For instance, some hotels do not allow you to leave pets alone in the room at all. Others may have policies recommending crates if a pet is to be left alone. Calling the hotel and asking about any guidelines prior will help set you and your pet up for the best experience.
